Representing data

Line graph

Line graphs are used to show trends in data. The next video explains this in more detail.

Bar graph

Generally bar graphs are used for comparison of discrete non-numerical (qualitative) data and cannot be used to represent continuous data. Bar graphs must have distinct gaps between the bars.

In the next video you will use an example to learn how to draw a bar graph. 

Pie chart

Pie charts are easy to identify because they look like circle graphs. A pie chart is used to show the relative sizes of different pieces of data that make up a whole survey or observation. 

You can learn more about drawing pie charts in this textbook: Creating Pie Charts. Remember to watch the video contained in the text so you can also see how pie charts are constructed.

Histogram

A histogram is usually drawn to display continuous data hence the bars do touch. In the next video you will learn about constructing histograms and when to use this graph. 

Frequency Polygon

A frequency polygon can be drawn directly from a histogram. Frequency polygons are generally used to compare sets of data. 

The method of constructing a frequency polygon is discussed in: Frequency Polygons. Click on the link and watch the video to learn the steps for drawing a frequency polygon.  

Ogive

An ogive (pronounced oh-jive) is also called a cumulative frequency graph. It is used to represent cumulative frequencies and to estimate the number of data observations that are less than or equal to a certain value. 

The steps for constructing an ogive are discussed in: Cumulative Frequency Distribution. 

You can practise all the ways that you learnt to represent data in the next activity.

Practise representing data

Here are a few activities to help you practise drawing the different types of data graphs. Click on each one and work through the questions to test your knowledge.

Pie charts

Create bar graphs

Create histograms

Data representations